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,VAM'i-;\U'K'tt\' J 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

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Slielf..Alii. 



UNITED STATES OF ABIERICA. 



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THE FRUITS IN THEIR PURITY AND EXCELLENCE. 



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JLZsTID 



T^LO^W TO O-K.O'Vvr THIEi:^. 



BY 



J. R. HENDRICKS. 





« AWKEi: < IT KANSAS: 

0KCHARI>, vineyard and BKimV GARDKX I'KINT, 

1888. 



■^^ 



Oop5Tighted bj' 
K. HENDRICKS, 

1888, 



THE FRUITS IN THEIR PURITY AND EXCELLENCE. 




WESTERN FRUITS, 



AND 



HOW TO GROW THEM. 



BY 



-^pv Of co^^ 

SEr2Oi08r 



J. R. HENDRICKS. 



(AVVKEH < IT^ . KANSAS: 

ORCIIAKH, VINKYARD ANI> BKRUY OAliDKN I HIN 1 

18S8. 



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IP I^/ E in A. o E 



When !i new coniitiy is first sottloil it is tlie usual cry tltat fruits and 
llowers will not thrive. The author of tiiis little work has lived all his life in 
a comparatively new country, and can remember that such statements as "Ap- 
ples will not grow in this country," "This is too far West to grow fruit," 
"The soil is too new liere to plant fruit trees or plants," were the usual ex- 
pressions when the subject of fruit growing- was mentioned at the gatherings 
of the early settlers. 

That such ideas were fallacious and detrimental to the best interests of 
our great west, has been most abundantly proven by those of our pioneer fruit- 
growers who thrust aside every discouragement, anil with sleeves rolled up and 
with sweated brows planted orchards and vineyards. JIany of these pioneer 
fruit-growers have passed to the "unknown beyond," leaving only their works 
as a monument to their memory and faithful exertions. The west owes more 
to these men than is generally known. It has only been after the eflorts of 
these great men have been crowned with success that tree planting, and es- 
pecially fruit planting, has received anything like careful attention by the 
majority of the settlers in a new country. 

The writer remembers talking with very old settlers of the great state of 
Ohio, who stated that only one in twenty of the earlj^ settlers had eontidenee 
enough in the state to make any attempt at fruit-growing. The wi'iter also 
recalls similar conversations with early settlers of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, 
Missouri, Nebraska and our own great State of Kansas. These ideas gradually 
gave place to a reasonable degree of confidence in fruitgrowing induced, in 
tlie main, by the sturdy ell'orts of that "one in twenty" wiio succ(!ssfidly de- 
n)onstrated to the remaining nineteen that fruit could not only be grown, but 
prolitablj' grown. The state wherein has been exhibited the smallest degree 
of confidence in fruit-growing, and where the people haye been the most re- 
luctant to take it up and push it with a reasonable degree of energy is our 
own beautifid state of Kansas. 

Early in the history of our State there were many things to contend with 
that other new countries knew nothing of ; and our older fruit-growers who 
had passed through a large experience in other new states found that what 
they had learned by this extended experience was no great help to them in 
fruiting this country. Too much credit, we wish to emphasize, cainiot be 



•■•iven the few men who opened the way by exi)orinient for the sneeessfiil 
growing of fruit by the general poi)nhition of tliewest. To tlie.se benefactois 
(I do not think this terra too strong) we owe onr everlasting gratitude, and to 
these men, and those, who, like the author of this little work, are ever alert 
for that whicii will be of enduring benetit to our people in the way of fruit- 
ing and beautifying the homes of the West, this little volume is respectfully 
dedicated. This work is not written for the scientitic horticulturist, for he 
needs no such help : but for the energetic planters who, with sleeves rolled up, 
go at fruit-growing in a practical and business-like way, and who are willing 
to drain the fount of experience, "dear bought" and practical, provided by 
those who have gone before in tliis great industry. Trusting that tliis volume 
may be of benetit to such, and that it maj'^ be the means of fruiting and 
beautifying many western homes, we submit the following pages with the 
utmost sincerity, earnestness and respect. 

J. K. HENDRICKS. 



WESTERN FRUri'S, AND HOW IX) GROW THEM. .$ 

HOME ADORNMENT. 

To every one (>f us lionie is the most sacred spot on earth. How import- 
ant then is it tliat we should so beautify it that we may most thoroughly en- 
joy ourselves while there. Some people are content to have the necessaries 
ot life and a place to live, and care nothin": for beautiful surroundings. 
Tliere are those who would I'atiier see a hill of corn or potatoes grow where 
a beautiful rose or otiier tiower should be. Flowers in their places are of as 
much importance as field crops or fruit. It is in accordance with tlie taste of 
most persons to have scuie l<ind of ornamental trees about the house, and 
fruit trees farther away. Some, however, prefer to liave fruit trees take tlie 
place of ornamental entirely. Tastes dilfer; but we believe there is no one 
but that likes to see growing about tlie house or among the trees beautiful 
roses and other flowers. Flowers, like fruits, are a success in Kansas. The 
rose seems to thrive in all its varieties espe(;ially well. The beautiful 
Mosses, Hybrid Perpetuals, Tea and Bourbon Roses are profuse bloomers. 
Tliere are many fine weeping and flowering trees and shrubs which are 
beautiful for tlie purpose of ornamenting the home. The Althea, or Rose 
of Sharon is a beautiful flowering shrub which is so easily grown that it 
ought to be in every door-yard. The Wistaria, Clematis, Honeysuckle and 
Flowering Almond, and hosts of others will aid in making the home at- 
tractive. Where a family of children are reared this subject is of vast im- 
portance. If home is pleasant and attractive, children are less prone to wan- 
der away in search of pleasure. Adornmeut of the grounds surrounding the 
house often has as much, or more, to do in making the home enticing to the 
young than adornment of the inside of the house. To this many of us can testi- 
fy. VVheii we think of our childhood home, we recall the trees, the vines, 
flowers and landmarks surrounding it, with pleasurable emotions. I'he 
most insignificant tree, vine or flower is remembered as being beautilul. 
Outside of the pleasure to be derived from having a beautiful home, we de- 
rive a pecuniary benefit from everj' vine or tree, every shrub or flower we 
plant, which will abundantly repay every efl:'ort and expense. Manj' a fiirm 
or plot of ground has met with a ready sale, at a good price, that had plant- 
ed upon it a few trees and flowers — the price usually being compensation, 
many times over, for every tree or flower, and every moment of time ex- 
jieuded upon it. All these things being considered, it must he admitted that 
if we are after pleasure or proflt. we cannot reasonably neglect the adorn- 
ment of home. 



mUIT IN WESTERN KANSAS. 

How can anyone locate in this grand and productive country without 
planting fruit. If we wish to have pleasant and profitable homes, ^\e must 
be planting and caring for fruit. How can it be possible for us to inculcate 
this idea to the fullest extent. We often hear farmers say that fruit cannot 
be grown here, and give as a reason that drought, hot winds, etc., destroj^ the 
trees and vines. These are enemies which must be overcome, and this can be 
done as readily as can the equally troublesome enemies to the Eastern fruit 
grower. Who in the eastern states ever thinks of growing fruit by setting 
out trees and paying no attention to them. It is necessary to cultivate trees 
vastly more in eastern slates than here. 



WESTERN FRUITS. AND 1I0\A' TO GROW i'lIE.M. 



FRUIT VS. MEDICINE. 

A member of the family takes sick, and we wonder wliat is tiie caupo. 
We ask what he has eaten ; whether he has over exerted himself, exposed 
himself to the inclemencies of the weather without for a moment considerinji' 
what he has been eating for weeks and months. The average farmer in tlie 
West uses salt pork mostly, in the summer, and in the vvinter heavy foods. 
with little or no fruit, except, perhaps, in the dried form. The hu:nan organ- 
ism may be compared to a machine. A machine subjected to a continuous 
strain of hard labor, will occasionally get out of order and refuse to work, 
and will always wear out much sooner than it would if a change of labor, 
with plenty of oil to lubricate its parts, be given it. So with the human 
machinery. When heavy foods are constantly taken, and no fruit to act as a 
lubricator, figuratively speaking, and no change from the heavier to the 
lighter food, it will occasionally have to stop for rest and repairs, which it 
usually gets in the shape of nauseous medicine and partial or total abstinence 
from food. This, often, is not sufficient, and the machinery is stopped forever. 
These terrible results might often be avoided by the free use of fruit, not 
dried, but fresh. The human system demands the acid, laxative properties 
of fresh fruit, and if deprived of it will retaliate by refusing to perfoim its 
functions. This fact has been held before the public by Hj-gienists for a 
great many years, and we believe with good results. The use of fruit is on 
the increase, and we assert without fear of successful contradiction, that as 
is this increase so will there be a corresponding decrease in sickness and dis- 
ease. Every one knows that when the tystem is out of repair sickness is most 
likely to set in. This is especially true of contagious diseases. 



There are two kinds of pieplant which deserve attention. They arc tiio 
Victoria and Linna;us. The former is sometimes called the Mammoth pie- 
plant. It is a very large, but a trifle coarse textured variety. Its product- 
iveness, however, will more than balance this coarseness, while for maiket it 
has no superior. TheLinn;vus is a smaller and less coarse variety. It is also 
very productive, and ics tine flavor makes it a favorite with many. No well 
regulated garden can spare (his vegetable from its list. It comes first in the 
spring, is healthful and palatable, and saves many times what it costs by 
furnishing a pleasant dish to the family. The children especially, relish it 
served as a sauce, or in pies. If canned it will be found of great value to the 
family in winter time, when fresh fruit is so scarce. It is easily gi'own and 
perfectly hardy. The labor connected with its succcssfid growth is so sliglit 
as to be almost too trifling to mention. 



In selecting a site for an orchard remember that a nortli slope is prefcM- 
able to any otlier. The east slope is tiienext best, wiiile llic south and siMitli- 
west arc the poorest. Tiie reason for tiiis lies in tlie fact tiiat the trees on a 
southern exposure are continually freezing and tliawing vvhicli is often fatal 
to the life of the tree, and oftener to the crop of fruit. However, where no 
other slope than south and south-west is available, an orchard should still b(; 
planted, for, although results are not so satisfactory on such slope, it will 
richly repay all labor and expense. Tiien, too. no farm should be without 
an orchard. 



WESTERN FRUITS, AND HOW TO GROW TIIEM. 5 

KELATIVE VALUE OP FRUITS. 

In planting fruit it is no nnusual thing to give the apple the preference. 
Tills is as it shonld lie ; but the idea that actuates this preference is often a 
fallacious one. The idea of vahie or profit is usually uppermost in the minds 
of buyers and this is where the error lies. In this western country the ap- 
ple tree, of course, has a value outside of the direct income derived from it. 
For instance, a farm with an orchard on it is more valuable than one without, 
even though the trees bring no fruit as yet. It is the prospective income that 
gives the value. The farm shows to better advantage — is more pleasing to 
the eye, hence the attractive value. The apple tree is one of the cheapest 
fruit ti-ees; and this is another reason why it is selected in so much larger 

numbers than any other. 

In this country the pear does not do so well as some other kinds of fruit, 

yet it, too, is a valuable fruit properly considered. We must not lose sight 
of the fact that varietj' has very much to do with success in planting all 
fruits; and this is especially true of the pear. The lengtli of time it takes to 
bring it into bearing detracts from its value, and the cost of the tree at the 
nursery is another detraction. These however, should not prevent us from 
planting a number of the right kind. 

The cherry is another pret*^y expensive tree. And we believe that from 
this reason mainly it is sparingly planted. Here is where a great error is 
usually made. The short time it takes to biing it into bearing, the high price 
the fruit brings in the market together with its ornamental appearance, 
makes it the most valuable fruit tree we have. In this country it will bear 
the third year after transplanting from the niwsery, and before any other 
tree (unless we except the crab apple) comes into bearing will have re- 
turned to the plant<;r three times the first cost of the tree, even though the 
price be high. Brother planters who have not demonstrated this idea, try it 
and we are sure you will find it correct. 

The plum is next to the cherry in value, and should be planted on 
every farm in the country. Variety will have much to do with the success 
of this fruit. Some varieties the Curculio attacks so unsparingly as to make 
them comparatively unprofitable. This little insect is fast becoming less 
troublesome to fruit growers, since the improved methods of destroying it 
are being made known. 

The small fruits aie often neglected on the grounds that there is no time 
to cultivate them. This is poor philosophy. If we are making our living 
from the products of the soil, tliat which will bring us the most speedy and 
largest returns is what we should apply our brain and nuiscle to, regardless 
of taste or inclination. If from one acre of strawberries we can realize $200 
with a total of one mouths' labor expended upon it, we should grow then> in 
preference to growing anything else that would take the same time and bring 
us only $100. AVith almost any of the laige fruits this is about the compari- 
son, only we must calculate from six to ten times as much ground for the 
laige fruit. The other small fruits will also show up with a balance in 
their favor if compared with the larger fruits. This, however, should not 
lead us to discard the laige fruits, especially as they may be grown together, 
but rather to encourage us not to neglect the small in favor of the large. In 
selecting the large fruits, too, we should not, because the first cost is greater, 
neglect the cherry ami plum for the apple because it is cheaper. 



C. AVESTERN FiaiTS, AXl) IIO>\ TO GIJOW 'J'llEM. 

THOUGHTS ON THE WINTER OP '87-'88 

The winter of 'S7-'SS was one to be lonj^- rememhercd liy tlic inli;\bituiil.-i 
of the great west. The winter set in very earlj, we having had a frost iik 
central and western Kansas and Nebraska iiard enougli to freeze tlie gronml 
from one to three ineiies deep during the last weel< of October, 1S87. l*re. 
vious to this frost fr\iit trees and phnits generally were growing rapidly, 
there having been a great ai)iindance of rain during the antnmn. This frost, 
coming early and being followed by a very severe winter, was a sore trial for 
many varieties of fruit trees and plants, only the hardiest proving eipial to 
the test. 

To point out in our iiitnible way the varieties best snited to a climate 
where such tests are likely to occur when least expected, is the princii)al ob- 
ject of this article. Our observation has extended over a large area of the 
west, and we feel that in naming the varieties that are the most relialde we 
have had a valua])le criterion in the trees and plants that hav«' failed and those 
that have pulled through safely. In mentioning varieties of trees we will be- 
gin with the apple because this is considered the principal fruit for the west. 
We have noticed that the Ben Davis has stood the test better than any other 
variety, it having come out most uniformly well all over the west. We 
have seen several instances where, owing to poor cidiivation during the 
summer of 1887, the Ben Davis failed, but in no instance have vve seen a fail- 
ure where the tree was properly cultivated during the growing period of 
1887. The quality of this apple is not of the best, (in fact is inferior) yet 
considering its hardiness and adaptability to otu' western climate it should 
lake first place in the orchard. 

The variety next to the Ben Davis in hardiness and general adaptability, 
as per our observations during the spring up to July 1st, 1888, is Jonathan. 
Wg have found very few trees of this ^•a^iety that have had any care at all that 
failed to pass through the last winter. This apple is good enough to allow 
of extensive cultivation and we heartily recommend it to western orchardists. 
No fear of planting too many trees, as its color and general ((ualities make it 
a good apple for the market. 

The variety we shall name as third on the list is the Missouri Pipi>in. 
AVe found a few instances wherein this variety was slightly injured but not 
enough to make it worthy of more than passing notice. The quality of this 
apple like the Ben Davis is not of the best, yet it, too, has color and appear- 
ance in its favor making it a good market apple. 

Fourth on the list is our excellently flavored Winesa]). This variety 
every where over the west seems to stand reasonably well and fiuit well. To 
our palate this api)le is second to no other winter variety, and considering 
the fact that it endures our climate well, it should make up a pretty good 
percentage of our western orchards. Occasionally we have found a tree of 
this variety that has failed, but not many. Of autuuui varieties we have 
noticed that the Wealthy, Fall Wine, and Grime's Golden stood the best. 

Of the early kinds the Duchess of Oldenburg, Red Astrachan and Tetof- 
ski stood best. The Tetofski is not of the best quality, Imt (]uality must 
not always tletermine what should be planted in the west, for we lind tliat 
many varieties that are of good quality will not stand the test of our severely 
trying winters. AVhat we most need in the west is fruit that can be grown 



WESrJiIKX ll^li'l'H, AM) now VV GIJONV THEM. 7 

siiccessfiilly and qiialitj' must only be one of the considerations. What would 
it benetit if we were to plant larji^ely of the kinds tliat suit the palate best if 
they would bring us no fruit V We have found in many locjilities where al- 
.inost entire orchards were killed out, or so badlj' damaged as to make it un^^ 
protitable to leave the oichard stand. Where sjich has been the case we have 
invariably found that the viiiieties planted were of those kinds that suit the 
palate best but endure tlie winters least. Wa think no better argument in 
favor of planting the htirdiest varieties can be produced. We have found in 
•the case of many varietii^ that ■while they leavetl out and made a sickly 
growth, the wood inside t!K3 bark was almost dead. Such trees of course will 
.never prove to be successful trees, eveji though they [lartially recover and 
^ive reasonable promise for a j--ear or two. More than likely the next severe 
winter that strikes them will tnd their career. <Jlierries of the Early Rich- 
iuond and EnglisJi Morel lo varieties, where they were properly cultivated 
^lining the summer of '87 stood the lest leinaikably well. Especially was 
this the case vvitli Li'ces two or three jears transplanted. We have seen a 
luunber of instances of failure of bearing trees, but always in case where 
cultivation was demanded and deni^^d during the previous season. 

We have observed ttiat generally six;aking the list as published in 
^'Orchard, \'ineyard and Jierry <iarden" for June has proven to be the very 
Jtest for the west. One thoiight which has come up to us prominently in our 
H)bservations is that all orchards in the west should be stirred. This is most 
jiotably true for cejitnd and western Kansas and Nebraska. If the orchard 
iias attained ))earing size and it is inconvenient to cultivate by stirring the en- 
tire orchard plat, at least stir around the trees for quite a number of feet. 
This we think will always be a necessity during dry growing seasons, and 
should never be neglected- 

We have invariably found the >Vild Goose and >Veaver plum trees vigor- 
x>us and healthy where properly cared for, 

The Kiefler and Flemish Beauty pear are in good condition generally. 
The greater our opportunities for observing these varieties the more 
.tiioroughly we believe tliey are the kinds for the west, if indeed, the pear 
Mill eventually prove a positive succes.s. 'We find many trees in bearing 
tliroughout the west and apparently doing good service, and we believe by 
iidhering to these tn o varieties we can meet with a reasonable degree of suc- 
cess. Our observatiojis have demonstrated that oiu* list of small fruits cannot 
well be impJ•o^^ed, as aJJ varieties iiamed have pasted through our unususilly 
severe winter unharmed. In central Kansas the m<*rcury reached 32 degrees 
helow zero iji many places, and without injuring any of our listed varieties. 
We have found that wheie orcliards were kept clean during the summer of 
1887, the inoiti tcjider varieties of trees passed through the winter in much 
the best shai)e. 'I'his should teach us an important lesson in the care of our 
•orchards, :uid «e trust our renders will not be slon to take advantage of it. 



We jnay i)la.u wisely or tuiwisely, we may oincoct schemes that fail or 
partially succeed, we may say 'Mo here or lo there," and yet after all, we 
must be content to work and wait, for the end we desire Mill result from 
growth— steady and sure— but not from spasms, tits and starts of a few rich 
Jjjeji ; we mu^t have tiie masses. 



8 WESTERN FRUITS, AND HOW TO GROW TIIEM. 

TO AVOID EFFECTS OF DROUGHT. 

Thoroughly' mulch orchard, vineyard and berry garden. Tuo much can- 
not be said in favor of mulching trees and vines in Kansas. Cultivate them 
vejy thoroughly and carefully from early spring until the first of June, then 
mulch heavily, and drought may come and your trees will be safe and fruit as 
certain as in older states. A little judgment is needed in the selection of 
varieties best suited to our soil and climate. We give below a list of fruits 
best adapted to our State, as demonstrated by our own experience, and the ex- 
perience of others. By selecting from these varieties purchasers need not fear 
disappointment : 

VARIETIES. — Apples.— Summer— Early Harvest, Red June, Red 
Astrachan, Early Pennock, Duchess of Oldenburg and Summer Pearmain. 
Autumn— Maiden's Blush, Rambo, Lowell, Fameuse, Fall Wine. Winter — 
Missouri Pippin, Winesap, Ben Davis, Jonathan, Janet, Winter Pearmain, 
Willow-twig, Gilpin, and Rome Beauty. Crab Apples— Transcendent, 
Whitney's No. 20, Hyslop, Tetofski, Quaker Beauty. Pears — Kiefter, Le- 
conte. Plums — Wild Goose, Weaver. Cherries — Early Richmond, English 
Morrello, May Duke, Governor Wood. Strawberries — Captain Jack, Charles 
Downing, Crescent Seedling. Blackberries — Snyder, Taylor's Prolific. 
Raspberries — Doolittle, Miavni, Gregg, Turner, Cuthbert. Currants — Red 
Dutch, Cherry, White Grape. Gooseberries— Houghton's Seedling, Pale 
Red, Dovyning. Grapes— Concord, Ives, Champion, Pocklington, Cattiwba, 
Dracut Amber. 



GRAPES IN KANSAS, 



How many people there are who think themselves ineapable of growing 
grapes successfully. They seem to think that to grow them with reasonable 
success requires some special skill— a knowledge greater than is possessed by 
ordinary people. There is no more serious obstacle to successful fruit grow- 
ing than this idea. The fallaciousness of it is demonstrated on every hand 
by amateur growers who are taking hold and succeeding nicely. There was 
a time when most of our skillful fruit growers gave the growing of grapes 
more than tlie usual amount of attention given to growing fruit, believing that 
it was essential. Each year for a num)j«r of years past it has been more and 
more clearly shown tiiat sucli extreme care was unnecessary, until at the 
present time scientific growing is almost superfluous. It has been shown that 
the grape will bear neglect better tliau any other fruit we liave ; but give it 
good cultivation and generous pruning and success will riclily repay tiie ef- 
forts of anyone. It does not require a special knowledge anymore Uiati it 
does to grow a crop of corn. Like corn, however, the grape will abundantly 
repay all labor expended upon it. Of tlie many varieties now grown tiie 
best for general culture in Kansas is the Concord. The Catawba is the best 
red and Pocklington the best golden. 



WESTEKN FJU I'I'l5, AM) 11(^>W lO OllOW TllEM, '•> 

RED RA.SPBERIIIES. 

Tlieio :ii<' a ;nr<'at inaD^v r€<l laspbi-Tiics nffercd to the public muler 
various names, of wliic!;, perhaps, onlj- a lew are valuable for Kansas. The 
i)riniu reason for this seems to be in tlie ability of many of them to endure 
the rigors of our peculiar climate. Tlie severe and sudden changes in winter, 
and sometimes Jong protracted (hy weather in summer, being too much for 
liiem. J'he Turner and ( utiibcrt are without doubt the most capable of en- 
during these ditticulties, and being both good bearers and of good quality, 
tiiey can with safety be largely planted. We have heard some complaints 
against the Turner, but upon investigation we found in every instance that 
tlie plant complained of was not the Turner, but some other and less hardy 
variety. Jn the eultivation of the red raspberry care should De taken to 
liioroughly eul out all the plants that may come up from the parent plant. 
These shoots are often the cause of failure in the realizition of satisfactory 
results from the red raspberry. There is no fruit so agreeable to the palate 
of most people as the red raspberry, hence it should be found in every garden. 
Of ihe new varieties those that are most desirable are Kancocas and f'rirason 
Beauty. We believe, however, there are none that do better than the Cuth- 
bert and 'J'urner iii the west. 



GRAPES. 

The vines comes tpiiciily into bearing, yielding fruit UMially the second 
J car after i)lanting, reiiuires but little space, and when properly trained, is 
an ornament to Ihe yard, garden or vineyard. It is stated by some of the 
UK. St eminent physiologists, that among all the fruits conilucive to regularity, 
health and vigor in the hiunan system, the grape ranks muuber one. VV^e 
liope soon lo see the day when every familv shall have an abundant supply 
of the most exceiltnt fruit for at least six months of the year. The soil for 
the grape should be dry; when not naturally so, should be thoroughly drain- 
ed. It should be deeply worked and well manured, always bearing in mind 
iliat it is an essential point to secure a warm, ssmny exposure. 

The best grape vine trellis is probably the wire trellis. This is con- 
r^lructed by planting posts as far apart as you choose to have the length of 
your trellis; stretch llie wires, four in number, about eighteen inches apart, 
letting them j.-ass through stakes at proper distances from each other to sup- 
port liie wire. As ihe wires are coiilracted by Ihe cold, and are likely to 
break or sway the pusls fiom their places, they should be loosened as cold 
weal lier approaches. When, however, it is not convenient to make a wire 
oi oilier trellis— vciy goud residls are had with the old vineyai-d system of 
training tlie stakes. The vines aie planted six feet apart, in a place exposed 
to the sun and protected from ccld winds, if convenient, and are trained to 
au upright stake. Tliis method is as simple as the cultivation of Indian corn. 
<Jftf n a huge and uncomely ruck may be converted to usefulness and beauty 
by planting a grape vine ou its stnmy side, and making use of the rock as a 
trellis. To secure the best results, annual and careful pruning is essential. 
The following is regarded as the best method : Commencing with a good 
strong vine, permit it to grow the tiist season without pruning. In Novcm- 
l,cr or December following, cut back Ihe growth, al hi wing but three or four 



10 WESTERN FEUFrs, AND HOW TO GlIOW TBEM. 

buds to remain. The fo)lo\\ iiig spring allow but two of the strono^est buds 
to throw out shoots. These, in tlie fall, will be from seven to ten feet long, 
and should be cut baek to lour or live feet ot the root. The next spring the 
vine should be fastened to the lower part of the trellis. When growth com- 
mences pinch the buds so that the shoots will be from ten to twelve inches 
apart. As these grow, train them perpendicularly to the second, third and 
f(Hiith bars of the trellis. No fruit should be aU(>wed to set above the sec- 
ond bur of the trellis. During the season when the shoots liave reached the 
upper part of the trellis, they may be pinched to prevent further growth. 
After the fruit is gatliei'ed, and the vine has shed its foliage, the cane should 
be then cut to two buds. The following spring allow but one bud to throw 
out a shoot, and treat as in the previous year. This system, of pruning should 
be followed each year. After the vine has undergone the fall pruning, it 
may be laid upon the ground and covered with boughs to protect it through 
the winter. Grape vines should be top dressed in the spring. 

While some of llie older varieties — Concord, Delaware, lona, llogers' 4, 
15, 19, etc., are worthy of general cultivation, and necessary in a complete 
assortment, we believe some of the newer grapes are destined to supply 
wants which are not satisiied by the established sorts. Grapes may be kept 
through the winter, and even all the year, in small boxes holding three to 
five pounds, if placed in a cool, dry room, of even temperature; or they may 
be spread out to dry for two days, and then laid in market l)askets, and sus- 
pended in a cool, dry cellar. 



WHY FRUIT PAYS. 



There are many reasons why fruit is profitable and not one of the least is 
that health is more readily kept up in the family by its free use. It is a 
luxury whicli all people delight to use, and life being as it is, made up of 
pain and pleasure, the use of fruit is as profitable as any of the pleasures we 
are in the habit of spending money for. This much for the profit derived 
from pleasure, the smallest item in the schedule ot profits. The farmer 
plants his corn and wheat with u view to making a profit therefrom. He 
feeds his corn to his hogs and his cattle with a view to making a profit from 
them. The merchant lays in his stock of merchandise expecting to derive a 
profit from it. Everything is done with this same view. Underlying all 
this strife after money is a pleasure derived from success in securing it, and 
this pleasure is usually measured by the success attained. The farmer usually 
plants most of that crop which pays him best. The merciiant lays in the 
heaviest stock of the most saleable and profital)le goods. Experience has 
taugh us that in some soils and locations corn does better than wheat, whih; 
in other sections wheat does better than corn. Some sections for some kinds 
of fruits and so on. Experience has taught us, too, that in all sections some 
kind of fruit always paj'^. 

The income derived from the avei-age farmer's orchard anil fruit garden 
is just so much clear profit, and the amount of profit is usually depended 
upon the amount of fruit he has planted and the number of leisiu'c moments 
he spends in taking care of it. We do not pretend to say that fruit growing 
is very easy work, for it is not. The average orchard could be well cared for 



WESTERN FRUITS, AND HOW TO GROW THEM. 11 

by applying only the leisure uiomeiits that occur to every farmer. When we 
speak of profits being dependent upon leisui'e moments and the returns being 
clear profits we mean of course where fruit is grown on a small scale only. 
It often requires the labor of many men to successfully grow the frnit of an 
extensive fruit grower. In this case, too, an outlay of cash for labor, etc., 
cuts from the profits. 



HEDGES. 

The Privet, Barberry and Arborvita3 are being valuable for hedges. The 
question has been asked us which is the cheapest as a fence, lumber, or one 
of Ihe three named hedges. In reply we say the hedge will bo cheaper. And 
when Ave look at the beauty of tlie fence the hedge will shine far above the 
lumber fence, no matter how tastily it may be built. Notice where there is a 
nicely kept hedge (ornamental) and how quickly it marks the building and 
grounds in our estimation. AVe can shear Privet, Barberry or Arborvitaj to 
any shape we desire, thus enabling us to have our fence any shape we may 
fancy. Where there are a number of fences in the same locality a pleasing 
variety can be had by this means. 

In our cities and towns where lumber is high in price these hedges will 
be found to be a great boon. They grow rapidly, and are everlasting. This 
latter quality must be considered when we compare lumber with hedging for 
a fence. The lumber fence needs repairs frequently, and these cost money. 
Posts are rotting, boards and pickets are being broken, or are gradually giv- 
ing away to the action of the elements, and to keep up appearances these 
must be replaced. If they are not replaced the fence instead of being an 
ornament to the grounds gives everything a dilapidated worn out appearance. 
Nature will repair all broken (if there should ever be any) places in a hedge 
fence, and no matter how neglected it still presents a good appearance. The 
hedge serves as a screen against high winds, and is a positive protection 
against cold. We remember that when a boy it was always considered that 
evergreens or any bushy shrub or tree had a modifying influence on a cold 
atmosphere. Be this as it may, we know they are a protection where they 
are on the cold sides of our beiry gardens. Our lawns are made much more 
attractive and will call the attention of passers-by to it when it would other- 
wise escape notice. The question as to the ability of hedge to turn stock 
nted noc r.ccnr, because this has been very thoroughly demonstrated for cen- 
turies. They do most effectually turn stock of all kinds. 

The value of the grounds surrounded by a well kept hedge of Privet, 
Barberry or Arborvitai will be increased much more than by fencing in the 
ordinary waj'. If we wish to dispose of a farm or residence in a citj', the 
well-kept hedge will hasten the sale at a satisfactory price. Such grounds 
never become drugs in the mai'ket, they can be readily disposed of. 

Whoie piotection to an oi'cliard or large field is desired we would reconniiend 
the Russian mulberry. It is not quite so ornamental as the previously named 
plants, but can be made to grow higher, thus serving to break the wind over 
a greater area. This plant will not be fo good for the berry garden as either 
of the others, nor will it be as pretty for the lawn. We would plant Privet 
12, Arborvlta" 14 and Barberry 15 inches apart. Russian mulberry, 2 to 3 
feet for hedges, and 12 feet each way for timber or fruit. 



12 wi:sij:i;N ]'m iJs. and now id (.kow iiie.m. 



CANNING AND DRYING. 

Not ;i vtMT 'j.icii( many yc'ars aiio Ilio <;real imiustiks of cauniiiy and ilry- 
injr were of comparatively little importance. Now bow important tliey are. 
If wf were to sniMenly he deprived of these two indnslries it woidil he :i 
world's calamity. 'J'he calamity would not be alone a financial one : it would 
jiave a tondeney to till our hospitals, to hasten to an untimely grave many of 
our race who are now being kept up in health by the use of fruits dried and 
canned, i»nd who can only obtain the healtii giving i>roperties of fruit in this 
way. 'l"ho value of fruit as an article ol food cannot be over-estimated, ll 
is not merely a liealth giving luxury, but a really economical staple which 
we find as essential to existence as any of the foods. 

'J'hese matters should receive the grave con.sideral ion of the head of every 
lantily — of everybody. Strange as it may seem, after all the a;lvicc ul 
phy.sieians and jihilanthropists that has been given the world, there are many 
who do not realize the iujportancv of the free use of fruit in the fauiily. in 
the winter when fresh fruit is scarce we have recourse to cansaiid dried fruit. 
Jf we liave fruit of our own growing then we are indeed fortunate. Thus 
Ave can avoid all chance of getting poorly dried and canned fruit. It is very 
little trouble and expense to put ujt in cans, and diy our siuplus fruit, en- 
abling us to carry over from fruiting time until winter the uecessary supply. 
How delicious canned strawberries are in the winter time. Tiie same ol the 
other fruits. 



MULCHING GRAPES IN KANSAS. 

'I'he direct cause of mildew (^outside of the natural tendency sumi; fiuils 
have to this disease) is a rich, moist soil. .Mulching in a great measure pie- 
vents the evaporation of moisture from tlie earth, and the stronger relloclion 
from the sun lends to keep the air dry around the fruit. It is the evapuia- 
ticii of moistuie from the earth that is more the cause of mildew than any- 
thing else. Outside of liiis mildew preventive quality of mulching, in this 
country, it figures more as a preventive of the ill ettects of extreme dronglil. 
True, the grape loves the sunshine and all that, but extreme druughi is 
.against the most successful fruiting of lhegrai)eas well as other fnuts. This 
fact should not be lost sight of; and when tlu; advisability of nndching the 
vineyard is considered slioidd have full \\eighl. 

Itot is caused by heat and moisture; as an extreme amuu.it ol lainfall 
followed by heated sitells, causing a too rapid evaporatioji of moiNiiin- fiom 
the earth. 'Jhe rai)id evaporation will be very much relaided by the mukii, 
and the prime cause of rot will be very materially les.senud. This means will 
often enable us to grow some of those kinds that are so much subject to rot, 
yet which are really tine grapes. 'J'here are other reasons for mulching the 
vineyard, but these already mentioned constitute the prime one. Nines e;i- 
dure extreme cold better where the ground is well mulched, for the reason 
• hat the mulching often prev^ents tlie ground from thawing out in time of a 
winter thaw, which so often, by being followed by a >e\eie free/e, kills su 
many of tiie not ipiite haidy kinds. 



WESTEUN IJiLIlS. AM) llOW Ju GHUW THEM. i:! 

DECEMBER. 

['J'lii.s aiticlo was oi-ijiiiially written for iiij- liorticnltural jouni?il, 
"OrchanI, Vineyard and l«erry (Jaidon,"' and believlno' that tiiere are hints in 
it useful to my average reader I insert it here.] 

This is the last montli of tiie year, and as it is usually pretty cold at inter- 
vals it behooves ns to make sure tiiat all the tender varieties of fruits shall 
have the proper protection. AVe hope the apple trees may iiave been secured 
against the depredation of rabbits. 

There will be many days during this month too cold and stormy to work- 
out of doors, Ihuj furnishing abundant opportunities for laying plans for the 
successful future of our fruit gardens. Too much stress cannot be placed upon 
this idea, as is evidenced by the success obtained by those who use their 
brains a great deal in this direction. Well matured plans constitute a half 
vietorj' in tlie battle for success, not only in fruitgrowing, but in all branches 
of industry. Arrange to have the orchard planted where it will add most to 
the value of the farm and comfort to the planter. The person planting a 
fruit tree not only plants for himself, but for those who come after him, 
hence an cft'ort in this direction is deserving of the greatest possible returns. 
It isevident that there is more importance to be attached to planting fruit 
than the dollars and cerjts or comfort derived from it, in as much as genera- 
ations after ours may reap many benelits from our exertions, our intelligence 
and care. No doubt there is often a question arises in the mind of the planter 
of the apple, pear and other fruit t'.;at take several years to come into bearing 
as to whether life will be long enough to make it worth while to plant and 
care for such fiuit. Such ideas should not be allowed to interfere with the 
prompt performance of every item in the care of fruit trees and plants to 
make them a success. The adage, that if we do not live long enough to rea- 
lize from the results of our labor others will, should be very generally pro- 
mulgated. 

No doubt the ground will freeze hard enouglj so that the strawberry bed 
may be prolitably covered with two or three inches of mulching. This is an 
important matter and should not be neglected. No doubt tlie reason for 
covering the strawberry' bed with mulch is somewhat obscure in the minds 
of many, Tlio reason is a very simple one and should be under^itood by 
everyone interested in strawberry culture. In the winter time at each hard 
freeze the gionnd in a manner '-heaves" or raises slightly from its ordinary 
level, subsiding as it thaws out. As a natural consequence plants with shal- 
low roots will be "heaved" more or less, and as the gromid subsides the roots 
will be nearer the surface than before, thus endangering the life of the plant 
Irom ficeziiig. The constant fieezing and thaw ing in the s))ring is the most 
dangerous to the straw berry plants. W you have set a new bed of strawberry 
plautes this fall we would ad\ise yon to cover the gr<>nnd at once. 

CHERRIES IN KANSAS. 

To il(.iili«ulturi.-ts it is a well known fact that tht Duke and Morcllos 
are the only cherries that do well anj where in the west. This is especially 
true of our state. The severity of our winters, occasional spells of dry 
weather make it necessary for us to i)lant only those fruit-> that have the 
ubilitv to stand cold and heat In extreme degrees. Theabilitv to endure boat 



14 WESTEIfX FllUlTS, AND IIUW TO UlfOW Til KM. 

and cold to a remarkable dcifree is shown by the Enolisli Mort-llo. This 
fruit is often confounded by planters with tiie common Morello. T'here is 
lictle or no resemblance between tlicm. The English is much laryej- and 
liner flavored than the coiimion; does not sprout from the root as the connnon 
does, and has a much smaller pit compared with the size of the fiuit. We 
believe this variety will give as good reliiriis in Jvausas and the west as any 
other known variety. 

The Early JJioinnond stands next to liie English Moiello. In fact we have 
always considered lliese two varieties as going hand in hand everywhere in 
Kansas. Hecent reports from diJlerent parts of the 8tat(! really give the pre- 
cedence of favor to the English Morello. The following list comprises about 
ail the Dukes and Morellos worthy of consideration in our State : English 
Morello, Early Richmond, Belle Magnitique. Belle du Choisy, Dyehouse, May 
Duke, Large Montmorency and Lieb. The Hearts and Bigarreaus are not ])rotit- 
able as they are not hardy in the west. Many of the varieties represented as 
being new and valuable belong to this class, hence they should be discarded. 
The sweet cheriy, though an excellent fruit, is too tender for here, fretxuent- 
ly — we may almost say invariably — freezing to the ground. The cherry de- 
lights in a liglit, dry soil, hence its success in our country. We believe for 
profit it stands ahead of all fruit trees. Its ornamental and dense top makes 
it a desirable yard tree, and bearing as it frequently does, from five to six 
bushels of fruit to the tree, its value becomes apparent. In this country it 
would be no trouble to sell the fruit for five dollars per bushel. It can be 
set closer than the apple, in an orchard, and its ease of cultivation, requiring 
little or no pruning, gives it additional i)oints in its favor as a fruit for pro- 
fit. No limb, unless a broken one, should be cut from the cherry tree. This 
is a rule that sliould alw.ays be closely observed if we wish to realize the best 
results. 

VV'hen a cherry tree is transplanted from the nursery to the grounds, 
where it is to remain, only such limbs as have been broken shoidd be re- 
moved. These should be cut ofi with a sharp knife, leaving a clean smooth 
surface to heal ovei-. 



NO PEAR OF OVER PRODUCTION. 

No fear of over production in fruit growing. There an* many persons 
who yearly ptit oflF planting fruit for market for fear of over production. 
If will be many years before the supply will equal the demand in this ccun- 
trj', even if there should be ten times as nnich fruit planted each year as has 
been each precedei-ig year. Last year stra\^ Iterries and blackberries sold in 
our city for 2.1 cents per quart. l?aspberries 20 cents. The supply was by 
no means equal to the demand even at these jn-iees. In the oast, when small 
fruits get very low in price they arc canned and dried, thus enaltling pro- 
ducers, after ]iaying all exj)enses. to lenlize very venMuierativo jirices for 
their fruit. 

It will be many years, however, before we will need to can (<r dry our 
surplus fruit in order to get good prices for it. This, too, in the face of a 
greatly increased plant. Others will buy for their own canning and drying, 
at good prices, the fruit we place on the market, and the necessitj' of our re- 
sorting to cans and the dry house will be long deferred. It would be good 



WESTERN FRUITS. AND HOW TO GROW TIIEM. 15 

for the welfare of the race if fruit coiiUl be produced at prices that would 
place it within tlie reach of the poor as well as the rich. At any price, how- 
ever, it is economy for both classes to buy when it cannot be grown. VVe 
believe it to be tiie duty of every physician to recommend the free use of fruit 
to his patients— to everybody. We have no doubt that this idea, loudly ex- 
pressed, would call down upon ns the sneers of m:iny physicians and nurses. 
If so, no matter. The most successful physician we ever knew so recommend- 
ed fi'uit, and only in extreme c.ises where the patient was incapable of digest- 
ing or necessai'y medicine conflicted with it. was it ever kept from his patients. 



THE TREE AGENT. 



Many an undeserved censure the tree agent receives from those with 
whom he deals, or aims to ileal. The prime reason for this kintl of treatment 
seems to be that so manj'^ dandilied, or high toned, agents have scoured the 
countrj' soliciting and receiving orders for nursery stock which, from either 
not existing, except in the fertile imagination of the artist who drew the 
picture, or existed in such small (quantities as to make it unprofitable I'cr the 
agents to correctly till such orders, were never deliveied, tims defrauding the 
])lanter of his hard earnings. These orders are usually given with the ex- 
pectation on the part of the planter tiiat he is getting something better than 
the ordinary, since, of course, he pays a larger price for it. There are many 
agents who are making their bread and butter as honestly as does the hard 
toiling farmer. This class of agents can always be distinguished by the fact 
that tliey offer you everything at reasonable prices, and oiler nothing but 
wliat is known to be successful in the locality they are canvassing. The class 
of agents first mentioned make canvassing much harder, and subjects the 
honest free man to many undeserved slanders, until oftimes he approaches a 
farmer with his heart in his mouth, almost ashamed of his business. 

To such agents we feel like offering a word of encouragement by telling 
them how legitimate their calling really is. Most of our eastern states 
have been fruited through the constant effort of the tree agents. The west 
will naturally be fruited in the same way, and who does not consider the suc- 
cessful fruiting of a country a beneficient indusfrj^ All reasoning people do. 
In opposition to what we have said it will be urged that the local nurseries 
will attend to the matter of supplying the people with the necessary frees 
and plants. In reply we will say that such is the bustle, and rush, a:id vvor- 
ly on the farm that the matter of fruiting it is sure to be a secondary matter, 
unless energetic tree men so pi'escnt the subject to the owner of the farm that 
he can consider it a necessity, and so considering it gives his order for what 
he really and al)Solutely needs on the spur of the moment. Thus he contracts 
for the necessary supply and in due season it is delivered to him and planted. 



If you have an acre patch fr<im which you w ish to realize $100 to ft;200 a 
year, plant it to strawberries. Turner raspberries will return you at least 
$100 ]ier year. 



10 WESTERN FRUITS. AND 1I<)\\ !'( ) (JJJOW I'llEM. 

SOILS FOR FRUIT. 

It is ofleu ;). matter of considerable ooncerii on tiio jiart <it' iilan'crs to 
know whether the soil selectee! for fruit is snitable for the pnrposo. It is 
often wondered what soil is best for api)le. peach, plinn, 6cg. The apple 
thrives in a varietj' of soils, as does the peach and plum ; bnt what soil will 
prodnce the finest fruit, and the most of it, is a matter that has enlisted the 
minds of onr greatest men. Again, there is snch a variety of these fruits, 
and being, as they are, the products of snch a variety of soils, their wide dis- 
tribution is well assured. Bnt even in their individual localities there are 
some soils that will produce finer fruit and more of it than others. On the 
same farm is often found a variety of soil, and by knowing the fruits that 
are best suited to each variety we can readily determine which to plant. On 
one farm may be found a comparatively heavy clay loam, and on another a 
light sandy soil. The heavy clay will be found good for the pear and all 
fruits that are apt to grow too fast. The sandy soil is excellent for berries 
of all descriptions. A poor, rocky soil will be foiuid to be good for the 
pear and some kinds of small fruits. 

The cherry invariably dc-es best in a dry, though not a pooi' soil. This 
fact will be of value to our Kansas people, and for this reason the cher- 
rj' is an especially valuable fruit for here, when dollars and cents are con* 
sidered. The plum does well in almost any soil and climate where the enr- 
eulio is not too numerous, or the climate too extreme. 

The small fruits all delight in a very rich soil, though t)iey are nearly 
all moderatelj^ successful in almost any soil. The strawberry to be most suc- 
cessful should have a deep rich loam, and even though nature lias abimdantly 
done her part in this direction, heavy manuring should be resorted to. While 
this is best to produce best results they do well enough on poor, neglected 
soil to pay us to grow them. NN'hat is said of the strawberry can also be 
said of the other small fruits, except that some of them, such as Ihc rasp- 
berry, blackberry, etc., will produce reasonable crops of fruit with a little 
less care. Vet, everything considered, we think the strawberiy can be made 
to produce more satisfactorily in poor soil than any of the small fruits. We 
know that some of our readers will ask why the pear will not thrive better in 
rich than In poor soil. In answer we will say that it is the natural inclination of 
the pear to grow too fast, and in rich soils it is sure to do so, thus causing 
the tree to blight. This is the principal enemy to the pear, and to guard 
against failure with this fruit we should select our poorest spots of ground. 
Where the soil is very rich it will be well to mix largely of sand or gravel 
with the earth surrounding the roots of the tree. To insure the best residts 
from this treatment the holes should be dug wide and deep, and the sand or 
gravel put in pretty liberally. It has been urged against this plan tliat Ihe 
roots of the tree will penetrate to the soil on either side, hence the useless- 
ness of this method. In reply to this argument we will say, that even though 
this be true, the growth of the tree the lirst two tir three years will be materi- 
ally retarded, making it grow more solid, and compelling tiie root to grow 
larger in proportion than the top, thus lessening danger of blight. The [tear 
should be pretty severely pruned each year, planted in any soil. Success 
often, in a great nieasuie. depends ui»ou Ihe freedom with which we 
use the knife. 



WESrElJN IliLir.S. AM» 11()\\ lU (JKOW lllK.M. 17 

THE PLAINS OF THE WEST. 

In tho early year; wiieii llie line »( fertility was drawn tludngli ;i <|)<>t 
wiieie KiiiisasCity now stjinds lew who gave the matter any thought dream- 
ed that west of this line lay one of the most fertile regions on the globe. 
Few dreamed as the years rolled on that tiie country denomlnaied the great 
Aiueriean desert— that portion lying west of t!ie line just referred to— would 
he teeining with thonsands of industrious and happy people, who not only 
occupied tlie soil but made it bloom and blossom as the rose, and yield up 
millions of bushels of grain and fruit. Few there were but that, when the 
|)0ssibilities of this vast region were mentioned, shook their heads in contempt 
at the idea. And as settlement pushed westward of this line the ideas pre- 
viously conceived had much to do with the tardiness with which the early 
settlers set themselves about beautifying their homes with trees and fruit 
plants. Almost treeless, this region presented many discouraging obstacles 
to be overcome, and many there were who gave up in des|iair and si>ught 
again the homes they left to build new homes in this country, only to tind 
that succeeding years brought better results from the ettorts of those who 
persistefl in their new homes; and in many cases a new determination was 
made and again the new homes were sought, and perhaps with increased vig- 
or the soil was turned and many of the obstacles that at first presented were 
overcome. Gradually the new homes assumed a more or less homelike ap- 
pearance, and with the improvement of the new farm with necessary build- 
ings, (often of the very cheapest and humhlest imagiiuible) the planting of a 
few trees and the introduction of a lew shrubs and flowers about the door, a 
permanent determination succeeded the first wavering ones, and tlie settler 
became permanenily located. 

As time rolled on the settlements advanced westward, until at the pres- 
ent time all the region west of the line mentioned is occu[)ied by a class of 
people, mostly, who have been educated as to the possibilities and probabili- 
ties of this vast plain region by experiences gained in the first settlements. 

To point out a few errors and suggest a few methods that in my humble 
opinion would result in the betterment of our great people is the object of 
this address. I speak of our great people, for who deserves the title of 
"great'" more than the stiudy toiler who is willing to sutler hajdships in- 
numerable, often going scantily clothed and fed in order to build up a home, 
almost from nothing, for tliose he loves and those who come after him. 
While nuich has been done towards building up this great plain region, there 
remains still uuich more to do before the possibilities of this wonderfully 
fertile land have been deveh)ped. More is needed than the mere breaking up 
of the sod and planting corn and wlieat. If we wish to live here, we must 
make our surroundings agreeable and beautiful — to satisfy the uiind and 
make us a thoroughly happy and contented people. Around us on every 
hand lays a beautiful breadth of fertile soil witli only the few trees planted 
by our hands to break the monotony of a comparatively level area, reaching as 
far as the eye can see. Seasons come and go, leaving some sections with less 
than a just reward in crops for the hard labor expended upon the land, owing 
mostly to dry weather, supplemented by dry, warm south winds. Again the 
scene sliifts and the section which receives a scanty supply of grain and fruit 
receives a libera! supply, while the first favored section recei\e« a 'cant sup- 



IS WESTEKN FRUITS, AND IlOW TO GROW TflEM. 

ply. In the liistoiy of the western plains tliis rontnie lias b(!en a constant 
one, and donbtless will continue until the treeless area becomes pretty well 
supplied with trees, and the sod pretty well subdued. As tree planlinjr and 
cultivation extends Avestward we tind tliat crops become more certain and the 
people more prospei'ous and thorouohly contented. 

It has been demonstrated (hat the principal reason why many portions 
of the eartli, once very densely populated, are now almost barren deserts and 
uninhabitable, is because of the destruction of ihe forests. After the timber 
has been removed tlie rains that fall upon the slopes, hillsides and mountains, 
instead of being absorbed rush off to find a level; great and disastrous Hoods 
are thus caused which carrj' the loose soil into the water channels, and tlien 
bv reason of a thin soil, not well moistened, great and distressing droutlis fol- 
low. As these results, tlood anu drouth, succeeded each other it was found 
that crop growing was such a failure that the people inhabiting these dis- 
tricts were compelled to seek otlier more certain localities. In these newly 
sought localities history seems to repeat itself and again forests begin to fall, 
and as the trees disappear crops become more and more uncertain. 

As examples of lands made comparativelj' fruitless bj' defurestatitm I 
will refer to Palestine and the Iberian peninsula. Palestine once so fertile 
became almosc a desert by the removal of the forests. Here the memorai)ie 
cedars of Lebanon grew and flourished upon the mountains holding and 
guarding the watiM- supply for the creeks and rivers of all Palestine. Im- 
agine the result when these trees were removed. The livers became only 
nioderate creeks, and the creeks have in turn become merely rivulets or have 
disappeared altogether. The climate, once so salubrious, too, is changed by 
the removal of these lordly trees, and the soil no longer brings forth in abun- 
dance the necessary products for existence, and the lat)or of the husbandman 
goes unrequited. What a terrible picture, and yet how true. Travelers who 
read of the wonderftd productiveness of this land view the now barren wastes 
and wonder why it is so, often, perhaps, without divining the iriie cause. 

We have been told that in rhe time of the Moorish caliphs the Il)erian 
peninsula resembled a great garden, yielding all kinds of grain and fruit in 
abundance, i'he peninsida, too, was densely populated with a comparatively 
enlightened people. When the Kings came into power their wantonness 
found vent in the destruction of the heavy growths of timber covering the 
sierras and momitain sides, audio! we now find nothing but goats and 
sheep, wild and almost worthless, roan)ing over this now neglected land, un- 
til at the i)resent time the plateau lands of all Spain (one-third of her entiie 
area) are unlit for agriculture. Why, do >on ask? Because after the sierrns 
and mountain sides were shorn of their forests rain fell so seldom and in such 
sparing riuantities that agriculture has ceased to be protitable. even to making 
it impossible for a people to exist there. The climate of this deforestated re- 
gion was once very fine, while now it is disagreeable and unhealthy since there 
are no forests to break the hot and cold winds. Sireams once so deep and 
beautiful are now narrow and shallow, presenting a startling contrast. The 
"•reat quandary with governments who have awakend to their great loss, 
too late, is how to restore the fertility of soil and salubrious climate. Some 
have made an ettbrt by attempti-jg to replant the land robbed of forests. 
This has been found to"be slow work, as trees do not grow readily on land 
that has once giown large forests. 



WESTERN FKU1T1S, AND HOW TO GKOW TIIEM. 10 

What i'.npnrtant lesson do these facts teach ns who inhabit a feitile 5'et 
treeless rogion, already possessed of a beautiful and healthful climate, and a 
soil capable of an innuense possibility in tiie way of growing forests. Here 
we oftinies have a scanty supply of rain-fall from laci< of forests that were 
never growing here. Warm winds often annoy us and make our crop grow- 
ing sometimes hazardous, because we iiave no forests to temper the atmos- 
phere witli a cool moistncss that would come from the moisture retained by 
the porous soil occupied by the roots of the limber. My friends, right here 
is an important idea; trees send tlieir roots into the soil in every direction 
and when rain falls, the soil, made porous by the many roots rainnifying it, 
takes up the water carrying it to a great depth where it is either held in store 
for future nse or goes bubbling out at some lower level at the foot of hills, 
often forming beautiful streams which tend so nuieh to promote crop 
production. 

As a further example of the evil effects that arise from tlie deforestation 
of a conntry I woidd refer yon to what has been said by Rothe and others 
about the island of Sicily. This the writers say was once the great reservoir 
of grain for all Rome, as well as for other localities. The qnantity of grain 
produced upon this isle was almost fabulous. What is this island to-day? 
There remains only a few fertile spots to tell of her departed glory, and to 
remind us of what she once was. It is said that the once proud city of Syra- 
cuse now lies in a spot made desert by the sand blown by the siroccos from 
Africa. 

Again, we can come clostcr home— to our own beautiful United States. 
Look at Ohio. Once a well timbered and watered state on whose soil fruits 
were almost certain. Peaches were almost a certain crop, while now one 
crop in ten years is all that can be hoped for, and even so good results will 
not long continue. The trees are dying off, and new ones planted do not 
give promise of much good. It has been said that in fifteen or twenty years, 
if the hills in southern Ohio be stripped of ther growth of timber, that por- 
tion of the state \\ ill be a desert. "•The rain will wash the soil from the 
hill-tops first and then from the slopes, the limestone which is now covered 
with productive humus, loam and clay, will be laid bare; the naked rocks 
will reflect the rays of the sun and increase the summer's heat; the north 
storms will blow uniiindered over the country, and every change of the wind 
will cause an abrupt change of temperature." What is true of Ohio is true 
of other sections. 

Now, we are taught ))y these examples that defoi'cslation means drouth, 
poor crops, famine and pestilence. Ami from these lessons can we not gather 
the inference (hat planting forests means good crops, good health and plenty 
of everything 'i My friends, this is an influence that can be traced to a realis- 
tic conclusion. In this great [ilain legion forests could be planted with great 
profit to the individual planter, as well as to the country. In the older states 
timber is being used in the manufactories until it will not be long before 
wood for manufacturing purposes will be very scarce and high priced. 
Walnut and other valuable woods thrive reasonably well, aiid would return a 
handsome pi'ofit tr, the pbiiiter. 



•20 \VE8TEKA l-'KLrJS. AMJ HOW I'u (ilCOW THlvM. 



PALL DELIVERY OF TREES. 

ir the .--ultjcct <if liandliii^' trees was pjopeily iiiiilc i-itoni tlieic would t;(^ 
iijore tiees procuretl in tlie fall, especially by person* who are eompellod lo 
send some distance for them. There are many oood reivsnns why it is a ffood 
plan to get trees in the fall, and chief amonn them is that in conspquenee of 
the I'Xtremc rush of work in the spring the nurserymen are eompelled to do- 
liver distant shipmer.ts later than desi';ahle. liy ordering;" the trees for (lie 
fall delivery they will be carefully l)nried and bo on hand for early sprin<>- 
planting, insuring a better and stronger growth and a more permanent bold 
the first season. This is an important item and is being better imderstood as 
the seasons roll by and profitable experience gained, as is shown by the in- 
creased demand for fall dng trees. 

Contact with the earth seems to have a l.enrficial infinence on tlie after 
growth of the tree, as is evidenced by the strong growth of the trees taken 
from the hole in which they were buried over winter, and planted early in the 
month of march. These ideas are especially applicable to central and west- 
ern Kansas; they are, however, applicable to all localities. After a verj' 
severe winter some trees may be injured by severe freezing, and theii in- 
juries be nnknown, either to the mtrseryman or the planter. 'I'his difiiculty 
is entirely obviated by taking up and bnrj'ing trees in tile fall. 

CHEAP FRUIT JELLIES. 

Dr. CJyrus Edson, one of the chiet inspectors of the New York Health 
Department, tells, in ^^ib^hoixl. about the composition of eheap finit jellies 
as they are fonnd put np in fancy packages in our grocery stores. A sample of 
'•currant*' jelly consists of the following ingredients : -"Dried apples, water, 
low-grade tartaric acid, and arsenical fnchsine, (a red aniline; color)." To 
this mixtnre was added a sufiiclent rptantity of French glue to give it the con- 
sistency of jelly. A large package of salicilic acid was also found stowed 
away in a cupboard, which after some pressure had been brought to bear on 
him. the proprietor admitted he used in warm weather, "to keep his jellies 
from spoiling." J'he goods were seized and destroyed on aceounl of the 
poisonous arsenical fnchsine used in coloring them. 

A thorough inspection of the jelly factories in >sesv York city revealed 
the fact that all vvere manufacturing goods after similar foimnlan. I'lie use 
of fnchsine and salicilic acid was then piohibited, and the manufaclnrtis 
eompelled to substitute gelatine for glue. Commercial '•currant" jelly is 
now composed of dried apples, water, glucose, tartaric acid, carmine, or ana- 
line sngar-red and gelatine. Mix, boil and biraiii. Other fjiiit jellies are 
made by diminishing the tartaric acid and substituting other coloring mattei-. 
The "'dried apples" used in the manufacture of these jellies, consist veiy 
largely, if not altogether, *if dried skins and cores — the refuse of the large 
evaporating establishments, (as we have learned by a thorough inspection <jf 
the latter,) 

The jellies are far 1 rum being wholesome, and the whole business i.^ a 
fraud on the ptiblic at best. We appeal to every true housewife and mother 
lo avoid the cheap stuli" and rely hencelorth on home-made fiiiit jellies. Buy 
good fruits and you can easily make all the wholesome jellies that your 
family will need. The formula is simple and the preparation easy. Here is 



WESTERN FRUITS, AND HOW TO GROW THEM. 21 

Dr. Edison's receipt: "Take juieo of fruit, fresiily expressed, white sugar 
a sufficiency, boil some time, strain and cool rapidly." 

A<rain allow ns to say buy none of this concentrated poison. Consider 
what you are eating when it is set before yon on the table and we feel as- 
sured that you will "touch it not." It does not taste good, there being a sick- 
ening gluey flavor to it that is positively repulsive to a discriminating palate. 
This stuft" is to jellies vvliat oleomargarine Is to butter; and our Icgislalors 
are just as much in diitj' bound to brand this infamous production as they are 
to brand oleomargarine. We will go further and say that our legislators 
slionld prohibit the sale of it with just as much emi)liasis as Kansas law- 
makers have |)roliibited the sale of intoxicating drinks in Kansas. 



SHADE TREES. 



It will not be out of place at this time to give a few hints in regard to 
planting shade trees in the spring. Planters are often in a quandary as to 
what to plant for this purpose and how to plant it. Of the best varieties 
.there can be a nice selectiun made, and in accordance with the tastes of plant- 
ers. A very pretty tree is the European Linden. It is a tree that Avill thrive 
under mifavorable circumstances, and under favorable treatment will do 
veiy well indeed. We have seen this tree set in groimd that had just been 
broken — prairie sod simply inverted— and do vvell. Its broad leaves in sum- 
mer and red buds in winter make it a desirable tree for shade and ornanient. 
Nursery grown American wild cherry is fast winning its way to favor in the 
west. Its timber qualities will always nuike it a valuable tree. The medicinal 
qualities of the fruit, too, should not be overlooked. 

Nursery grown sycamore, ailanthus, persimmon and horse chestnut will 
prove successful. These we mention as giving our friends a variety of 
really good trees to select from. The ideas here presented uuist not be con- 
strued to place us on record as favoring these to the exclusion of others. 
For instance, for all purposes we consider Russian mulberry and western 
liardy ("atalpa as headiiiu' the list. The above mentioned varieties are good 
and should take the place of Russian niulberiy and hardy Catalpa for variety 
sake only. In planting shade trees it should be born in mind that nursery 
grown trees thrive a. id bear transplanting much better and make much pret- 
tier trees than the same varieties taken from the forest. To demonstrate this 
take up a few ash or box elder from tlie forest and get a lew of the sanje 
varieties from the nursery and i)l ant them side by side. In planting in our 
native sod. large holes should be made, and a little loose uld soil thrown in 
about the roots and at the bottom of the hole, and the ground well covered 
with straw or hay nudeh. The old soil is not an absolute necessity, but to 
insure the best results should be resorted to. In old ground, also, it is alwaj-s 
well to cover the ground, after planting, with a heavy mulch. Thoroughly 
prune large sized trees at time of setting them and they will be all right. 
Where set in old ground weeds must be kept down. If set in sod, the sod 
should first be broken, or broken immediately afterward, thus pi'eventing the 
gr.iss from sipping strength from the trees. 



^ 



^VESTEJiN FlIUITS. AND JIOW TO G1J(J\V 'JIIE.M. 



FORESTRY IN THE WEST. 

.Vs we uieiitioiu'd in a preeuiliiiy aiticlL' it is a i>reat pity tiiat set- 
tlers wlio availed themselves of the timber eiiltiire act have paid so little at- 
tention to planting such kinds of limber as w ill biinj>- a reasonable eompeiisa- 
tion for tlie labor and money ex])ei)ded in plantin": it. in driving- tlirough 
our country we find many five and ten acre jjroves very largely made up of 
Cottonwood and other trees that are shoit lived and of little value. The Cot- 
tonwood thrives only on low ground, and when grown the wood is of but lit- 
tle value, being too light to make good fuel and its Inclination to warp makes 
it (uitit for lumber. The ease witli wiiich it is started, and tlie rapidity witli 
wliicii it grows in low lands, and in uplands for the first few years, has tempt- 
ed settlers to plant more largely of tliis variety of forest trees than of any 
other. It grows readilj' from either seed oi' cutting, tlius making it an inex- 
])onsive tree to plant. In the early history of Kansas and Nebraska many set- 
tlers located timber claims M'ith the view to putting ordy timber enough upon 
the land to secure the patent, caring notliing foi' tlie timber after grown, 
hence Cottonwood was almost universally used. Aft<n- a few j-ears it was 
found that Cottonwood was a poor tree to depend upon, and other varieties 
were sought. White ash, box elder, walmit, allanthiis and other varieties 
were found to endure neglect pretty well, and a good many of liiese varieties 

were planted. 

Of tiie abo\e named kinds the walnut did the best, endin-ing dry weather 
and weeds admirably. Later on the Catalpa and llussian nndberry were in- 
troduced and found to do well under unfavorable conditions. Tlie planting 
of varieties of timber thai endured neglect t(derabiy well did not tend to in- 
crease the efforts to have forests in this Plain coiuitry. but was lather condu- 
cive to the opposite condition of things, until it seemed almost as though the 
tiinbtu' culture act was a failure so far as putting forests upon our prairies is 
concerned. (Jraduaily, however, the authorities became more ])articidar and 
planters, fearing failuie in proving up and procuring a patent, made more e(- 
I'orts to make a success of their plani of trees. During Hie last few years tiien^ 
has been more interest manifested in planting such trees as will ()e of lasting 
benelit both to tlie planter and to the country. Now we tiiid many tluiffy, 
promising groves of catalpa, walmit, mulberry. el:n, wliite asji and oilier 
\aiuabie sorts which furnish a striking contract to the cottoinvood gi<nc.s 
planted in an early day. 

One ot the greatest drawbacks against the spontaneous growtii of foie>ts 
lias been the prairie tires, often set by persons passing ihrongh, and who 
had no interest in tlie success of our great country. ^Vher('ver tires have 
been kept awtiy from the creeks a nice growtli of young forest trees has 
sjn'iing up. Ill most cases this young timber has been careil for and will con- 
stitute no insigniticant item in the increase of forests in this country. In tli" 
eastern portions of the states of Kansis and Nebraska, where tire has been 
kept out adjacent to timber land, a surprising quantity of uiiderbriisli lias 
sprung up. including iiriny of the kinds of trees indigenous to th(^ country. 



WESTEIJN Flll'lT.S. AND llOW TO eilJOW THEM. 2;! 

j^iving- ii clear illustration of the theory that if our western prairies were to 
be protected fioni tire for a series of years a forest would gradually sprinji' 
up. This tlii'ury is illustrated by the history of older states, as lUiuois, 
Iowa, itc, &G., where forests iiave sprun"' up upon land protected fi-om tire. 
It has been urii-eil. and wisely, roo, that the subject of growius forests in the 
west should I'eceive special patroua;,e from the ^overuuieut. Experimental 
stations (or at least one station west of the Missouri river) should be establish- 
ed, which would, in our opinion, aid more largely than any other uieaiis in 
securing to the west Doth an abundance of fuel :uid of rainfall. Tliis latter 
consideration, wo think, shoidd not be overlooked by our general govern- 
ment, and if properly regulated the source of levenue to our country would 
more than repay every expense to our government. Forests once established 
)ty governmental patronage shoidd be under govermueutal supervision, and 
such laws should be passed as will perpetually protect them from destruction. 
Thus forests once established would be a permanent thing and of perpetual 
profit to our people. 

To our people we wish to say, plant such timber as will be valuable 
when growii. it will pay in dollars and cents, not only lo you, but to the 
state in which you live and to llie United States to which we all owe our uu 
alloyed allegiance. Plant vvaliuit, catalpa, wild (bird) cherry, ash, oak and 
other hard woods. After the trees are planted foster and care for them as 
you do lu) other crop you grow. Do not plant only on timber claims but up- 
on every farm, no matter how small. Line every street and everj' roadway 
Avith valuable trees — sucii as above mentioned and eventually this great Plain 
region will letnru to us many fold every cent of money so invested. Our 
(climate, as before mentioned, will be tempered so as to be in everj- way more 
enjoyable. When the mercury is ten degrees below zero and a strong wind 
raging it is more intolerable than when the mercur}- is at sixteen degrees below 
and no wiu<l. 

In Nebraska the State Hoaril of Agricidline annually award liberal 
preiuiums to those who }»lant the greatest lumiber of trees, seeds and cuttings 
on Arbor Day. The governors of both Kansas and Nebraska annually issue proc- 
lamations to the people urging them to plant trees on days designated by them 
as Arbor Day. It is saiil that this idea origuated with the Nebraska Slate 
Board of Agricidtiue. This is indeed a beautiful idea, and the [)roclamations 
shoidd be heeded most earnestly. Organize forestry associations and study 
the tree growth in every vicinity, issue instructions as to the best kinds of 
trees to plant in each locality, pre\ent the ruthless destruction of timber and 
urge every farmer to plant trees, not only on Aibtir Day, but whenever pos- 
sible and practicable. Cultivate a love for tree planting, and soon the west- 
ern plains will assiune a new and beautiful appearance. If it would be pos- 
sible for the writer to instill a deep interest in ihe breast of every resident of 
of our great west upon this subject, and coidd accomi)lish nothing else during 
a long lifetime, we siunild feel satistied that such a IKetime was well spent 
and well rewarded, and that thegiatitude of coming generations, mingled 
Willi tlie eiidmiiig love for ti'autiful lionu's. w(uild hi' ours. 



24 WESTERN FRUrJ'S, AND WHO TO GROW THEM. 

HINTS. 

Don't I'orget that the little birds will do yoii more good tiiaii harm, 
lieiice harbor then) carefwlly. 

Prime your trees earefiilly ))efore setting' them. This is an imi)ortant 
feature in successful tree culture. 

Too nuicli stress cannot be placed upon riie use of celery as a condiment. 
It properly belongs to ayavy table. 

Look sharp as to whether you are going tr, plant the proper varieties fur 
this country. Upon this much of your future success depends. 

Examine the tree roots at time of setting ami destroy all insects tiiat 
may have found lodgement tliere. Cut off all bruised or mangled roots also. 

There are hundreds of villages, towns and cities that are not lialf supplied 
with small fruits. There maj' be an opening for you right in your neigh- 
borhood. 

If you have a variety of grape that mildews badly, dusc the plants with 
sulphur. If the mildew spreads sprinkle the vine with water and then dust 
with sulphur. 

Do not waste much time and money in trying the new fruits such as are 
recommended by tiie origuator or intioducers. Hold fast to the known valu- 
able varieties. 

Fruit at ever}' meal means health in the family. Plenty of ajjples at all 
times are a good thing. No need to be without them in this countr^y. Sow 
and ye shall reap. 

The gooseberry is one of the most successful of the fruits for Kansas. Nf> 
garden is complete without a number of bushes. Train them as nearly 
tree-fashion as possible. 

Cover the rhubarb with a generous coating of .«table manure, leaving it 
on in the spring. The plants will come up through it. The asparagus bed 
should be similarly treated. 

Once more allow us to caution our readers against planting corn in the 
orchard. Many writers still advocate this plan, but in Kansas it will result 
in disappointment every time. 

Cions for grafting must be taken from the last year's growth Do not 
fear that the tree will be liarmed or that next years crop will be lessened by 
cutting the cions from the tree. 

Heavy winds that shake off a great deal of fruit do not always diminish 
the yield, lor what is left grows large, sometimes so much superior in size 
and ajipearanee as to overbalance apparent loss. 

It has often been asked us if prune or apricot pits will produce fruit true 
to name. Oiw answer is no. The apricot and all fruits of like nature when 
grown from the pits will produce a diversity of sorts. 

Sometiuies trees get hide-bound from poverty of the soil, from exposure 
to hot sun, or from the attacks of insects. In this cast a slitting of the l)ark 
by the pruning knife, up and down the stem, is beneficial. 

Look sharp that there may not be some spot on the farm where nothing" 
but weeds are growing that woidd produc-e some delicious fruit if the tree or 
plant were only set. Utilize every bit of space, there is money in it. 



WESTERN FIUJITS, AM) HOW Vi) GIJOW TITIOM. 2r> 

Try Hie follo\viii(>' next sonscin on (lie potato beetle : tive pounds each of 
copjieras and slacked lime, one onnce of carbolic acid in twenty i>allons of 
Avater. Ap|)ly witii ;i Iniisb or a vimt tine sprinl<lin<;" can. 

'Too nincli stress cannot be placed on tlie idea of [)lantinj^' younj-' trees. 
Two year old for fruit trees is tiie rigbt a<ie, lliongli one year okls are per- 
lectly siiceessfid, and ofteu fruit fully as soon as older ones. 

When your <i;rapes are about the size of a j^arden pea they siioidd be 
sli<jhtl.v thinned on the bunch so that, the reniaininji' ones shall be as larjie as 
]>ossible. 'I'hey will be less liable to rot and be of better flavor. 

The wrappin<^- of paper put on the apple trees last fall il not b;)und too 
ti«;iit can be left on as prelection aj^ainst the liot .-un. lie sure to examine 
the .-(ring with which (he pai)er was bound on, and if tight loosen it. 

Be sure and loosen n|) the gr.iui.j aroinid all the snndl fruits as soon after 
a rain as the groimd is diy enough, 'i'he idea is to keep the gi'ouml froin 
baking arounti the plants. Strawberries, esi)ecially, need this treatment. 

Varieties of grapes tlnit are apt to rot and mildew are most succcssfidly 
grown beside trees, allowing the vines to run high among the branches and 
setting their fruit there. Try this with the kinds that have rotted for yon. 

If you are sutt'ering from anj' form of malaria use plenty of lemons. 
Drink nothing but lenujuade, and e.it as many ol' the finits as you feel like 
eating. Pleasant remedy and worth a whole drug store full ol drugs. Try it. 

What can be more gratifying to the sight of a hard worked, hungry 
farmer, as he enters the house for dinner on hot days in summer, than a i)late 
of delicious strawlKiries and cream:* Hrother farmers, we nniy all have this 
luxury. 

Where the "Aphis" or plant louse attacks a tree they are easily removed 
by ajjplying moderately strong tobacco juice. Tobacco should be steeped in 
water until it becomes the color of beer. It shoidd then be ap[)lied by means 
of a syringe. 

.Make up your minds to thoroughly exterminate the apple tree borer 
from your orchard. It is not a very great job, though it reixuires a little 
patient search and pains-taking. Keep a sharp lookout for the little pest, 
Miongh your orchard may not be infested. 

Look out for the IJiissian apple tree peddler. There are no good Kns- 
sian apples otfered to the retail trade that all nurserymen do not oiler. Many 
of the plates used by such peddlers are representations of fruits not in exist- 
en(-(; except in the imagination of the artist. 

If you have any old cast iron that you are contemplating selling take our 
advice and don't. Bury it at the base of fruit trees and plants and yon will 
soon realize more from it than you would obtain in the market. Old bones, 
also, should b<.' gathered up and buried beside grape vines or fruit trees. 

It is a well-known fact among fiiiit growers that the Le Coute pear tree 
is best grown from cuttings. It is said that the tree grown from cuttings will 
usually yield from ten to thirty bushels of fruit while the grafteil tree will 
hardiv bear one bushel. The original home of this fruit is 'I'homasville, Ga. 



■2C, WESTEHX FIU'ITS, AXJ) ilOW TO GROW THEM. 

We wish to warn oiir roadori atraiiist l)ii}'iii>i- the Eiiglisli gooscLoirj- 
to any extent. Tliese are very apt to uiilUew— almost invariably do— In ot-.r 
climate. The American is almost entirely free from mildew, and is tlie 
variety to plant. The Enjrlish varieties are often offered and sold nnder 
spinioMS names, and at u \i\gh price. 

We have often been asked what stoel< the cherry is budded or grafted on 
to prevent it from sprouting. There are two stocks in general nse. The 
Mazzard and Mahalel). The Mazzard stock is best where tall nprigiit trees 
are desired. The Mahaleb where lower, more bnshy trees are wanted. These 
are roots that do not spront. 

Don't let hard winters and dry snmmers discourage yon from planting 
Irnit, for the ultimate results will always prove satisfactory. Yon would not 
think of giving up raising hogs because they occasionally die. So we should 
not be discouraged if we occasionally tiud some of onr choice plants dead 
from the eftects of cold or of dry weather. 

Write the word "mulch" two or three limes at as many different places 
in your memorandum book so tliat wlien writing down an article yon see it. 
Not only write it down but be sure and make a "watch word" of it, and 
wiien a tree or vine is planted mulch it. By heeding this hint you may save 
yourself much loss of time and expense, and save many hard feelings to- 
wards the nurseryman. 

Do not anticipate too good results from the spring plant of trees and 
plants, for there are always some nnlooked for enemies to baffle, to interfere 
with entire success. Do not expect that every tree will grow, for no nursery- 
man can grow trees and plants and distribute them without having some of 
them fail. Reason calmly upon this sui)jeet. and if reasonable success attends 
your efforts be satisfied. 

When the winter winds begin to keep jou near llie tire do some good 
lilauuing for a nice large orchard and a good family berry garden. It is so 
much easier to plant out trees and plants when we know exactly wheie to 
put them. In planning the orchard and berry g.irden do not neglect the 
adornment of the grounds about the house. A few trees of the right kinds 
M ill add wondeifully to the appearance of home. 

It is a natural tendency on the part of farmers to neglect fruit, niviug 
most of their attention to growing grain. We are glad to note that there is 
an increasing interest in fruit growing manifested among our farmers. In a 
few years there will be an abiuidance of all kinds r-f fruits, and the increased 
wealth of our country caused by the planting of the trees, vines and plants 
ean now scarcely be imagined. 

In reading manj' of the horticukural and agricultural joiuiials of the 
present daj' we note much that is so entirely theoretical as to beol no value t«t 
th(! i)ractical fruit grower. Eastern theorists often do n)nch harm by advise 
based on theories conceived in tiie east. Theorh;-:. in the aljsenseof practical 
knowledge, are good enough, but give us practical experience written down 
in any maimer intelligible to us. 

Everyone should be supplied with a small force pump for spraying tices 
at dry times during the summer. If this is done the trees will go through a 



WESTEKN FRUITS, AND 1I(3W TO GROW THEM. 27 

severe droiitli much more successfully than if left to take care of themselves. 
This hint applies with more force to residents of cities than to the residents 
of the eonnt: y. It is of special importance to have the trees next a dusty 
street well sprayed everj- evening' diirinof a dry time. 

The baik of tiie apple cree has a sweetish taste which is very attractive to 
mice in winter. They are, liowever, very ti'mid and will not eat unless pro- 
tectcd by weeds, rubbish or snowbanks around the tree, and all danger is 
avoided by earthino: around the stem as high as the probable snow line. If 
snow comes before this is done pack snow around the tree, looking at it oc- 
casionally to see that the snow does not melt around the stem, leaving a de- 
))rossion in which the mice can work. 

Here is a good way to prevent forked trees from splitting apart. Take 
two twigs, one fro:u either prong. .niJ lock them together by twisting so 
that the wind will not separate tlium. As the twigs grow they become strong, 
thus preventing the prongs from parting. Of course it is miwise to plant a 
forked tree, but it is often done unwillingly, and sooner than spoil the head 
of a tree several jears old this method shoidd be resorted to. 

If any of our readers are contemplating putting out fruit, for market, let 
us advise you to plant a variety of fruits, so that in case one thing fails another 
may succeed. Plant grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, goose- 
))erries, currants and juneberries as well as a variety of the larger fruits for 
later bearing. A little judgment exercised before embarking on such an 
enterprise would often make a success out of what would otherwise be a 
failure. 

Make sure you aie ordering from a responsible party when you order 
fruit trees. There are many agents traveling the country representing some 
eastern firm, and representing that they have all of the new apples and other 
fruits. Remember that when a new fruit is originated there is not a general 
stock in the country for years afterwards. Hence many of the parties oft'er- 
ing such fruit trees and plants arc frauds and never deliver the fruit they 
ropi'esent. 

If you have a tree or plant that is api)arently dying, examine it and see if 
you can discover the cause. More than likely the ground lias been allowed 
to bake aroimd it. or perhaps there are weeds enough around it to exhaust 
the moisture, thus causing it to die for want of something to drink. Dig the 
soil thoroughly around such tree and give it plenty to drink in tlie shape of 
several buckets of water, after wliich apply a thick mulch for a distance of 
several feet on all sides of the tree. 

We have noticed that a great many iilaiiters have made a serious mistake 
by planting their trees too close together. Thirty feeteach way for apple trees 
is about right, though twenty-eight by thirty feet is not very much out of the 
way. It seems to the inexperienced planter that the small trees he sees can- 
not possibly grow large enough to occupy so much space. He begins to rea- 
lize his error when the trees begin to lock branches and the fruit to fail. 

No use digging deep holes for trees; the small feeding roots keep close 
to the surface, always waiting for fresh nutriment and moisture. Make the 



28 WES'PKKN FliUlTS, AND ilOW TO (JKUNV I'lIIvM. 

liolo wide if you wish, and fill in with <;ood iiioUow sciil, hut only siittieientl}' 
deep to allow the tree to stand not more than one Inch deeper tluin hefore re- 
moval. Deep holes are an injury in many oa:?es, as the fresh soil will sink 
after heavy rains, taking tl»e tree with it, and Ihns bnry the roots several 
inches lower than is required, l{ieh soil at an unnecessary depth incrnics 
the roots to run deep in search, of nonrislnncnt, and tluis debar (ht-ni from 
proximity to the air. 

There is a <j;reat slight in hoeing w'-.ich is little understood hj' most ner- 
soiis accustomed to using that useful little garden implement. It is almost an 
invariable custom to have the hoe, "in operating," almosi the full length of 
the hoe in front of the person iisng it. This is entirely wrong, as we can 
testify from actual experience. The person operating should stand nearly 
erect, and as nearly over the blade as possible, making long strokes with th<' 
blade of the hoe just imder the surface, and made in such a way tliat the lux- 
is drawn towards the operator. It leaves the ground level. 

Do not think of undertaking so nnich next spring that the new orchard 
or l)erry patch will be neglected. It is quite a common plea with those who 
plant fruit that they cannot attord to lose the lime from their crops to care 
for it. The fact is no one can aftord to neglect fruit, and the strongest pio- 
test against such neglect is the pocket Dook itself. You can see the effect of 
fruit in the ruddy countenance of health, in the decreased demand on the Hour 
barrel and an increase in the happiness of the family. 

The best remedy for the Aphis or Green Fly is tobacco smoke. It can l>e 
applied by coverinir the plant with a box or banel, and putting undei- a lit- 
tle burning tobacco. The plant should remain in tlie smoke sevi-ral liours 
and then be washed off with blood warm water. If more convenient to ap- 
pl}', a strong tea of tobacco will answer verj' weU. Wash or sprinkle the 
Avhole plant or dip it in the tea as often as may be necessary. \V'hen tobacco 
is not desirable, a hot water bath will answer the same purpose Tlu; water 
should be as hot as the hand can bear, and the whole top pf the plant di|)pcd 
in quickly, two or three times in succession, but it nnist not renniiu in moic 
tlian two set'oiids at a time. 



PLANTING AND TRANSPLATING. 

N'ery few persons ha\e any well defined idea of the value and import- 
ance of our orchards, vineyards and Iterry gardens. IS'ot a great many yeais 
ago ihe fruit growing industry in the west was in its extreme infancy, and 
is yet (piite young. However, the market value of our fruits is estimated 
at many thousands of dollars annually. There is no field crop that will 
bring in as n)neh deal' gain for labor and capital invested as fruit trees anii 
plants, if properly cared for; and perhaps we might add lh:it nothing could 
disappoint us more if trees and plants are neglected. In this article we pro- 
pose to give our readers general directions foi' planting and transplanting 
fruit trees and plants. In an article of this kind it Avould be impossible for 
us to enter into minute details, hence we will draw only the outlines and refer 
our readeis to other hints embodied in this work. If the ideas herein con- 



\V'ESrEl{X F1{UIT8, AM) IIUW lO GltOW THEM. 2it 

tallied are closely lollowoil we feel assured that our readers will have no 
aitficulty in o:rowiiig their trees and plants and ultimately fruit. First we 
will reeoMiinend tiie followiiij^- distances for plantin<?: 

Distance. No. per acre. 

Standard Apples :}(» feet. 48 

.Standard peais and rapid "iiowiiij;- Cherries 20 '• 100 

Duke and Morello (licrries IS " 13.") 

Standard Plnins. Peaches, Apricots and Nectarines IS •• 135 

Quinces 10 " 43G 

I'yrauiidal Apples, Pears, Cherries and Plum*, 12 •• 302 

Dwarf Apples S >• 681 

Dwarf Cherries, Dnke and Morellos 10 •• 436 

Grapes on trellises S " 681 

(drupes trained to stake 6 " 1.210 

('Uriauts, Gooseberries and Raspberries 4 •' 2,722 

HlacUberries (5 •' 1,210 

Strawberries, in beds for family use 15 inches apart each way. 

Strawberries, in large quantities for market, the rows 3 1-2 to 4 feet apart 
and 1 foot apart in the row. 
If possible have the j^ronnd well stirred by repeated plowiuj>' before 
plantinj^ to a depth of ten or twelve inches. Great pains should be used to 
see that trees arc in a good condition before planting;, as many trees and plants 
are annually lost by^ reason of being planted in an unhealthy condition. 
Much depends upon the care treses and plants receive by the planter after being 
delivered from the nnrseiy. We have known of cases where trees have been 
allowed to stand in the stable or some out-building for several days after 
being delivered liefore being planted. Sometimes, too, trees ar<; received 
from a nursery deiiveryman at specilied iioints of delivery in the early morn- 
ing of the day set for delivery and thrown into a farm wagon and allowed 
to lie in the sun and wind until evening, and when planted the next daj' (or 
possibly the second or thinl day after,) and they fail to grow, the nurseiyman 
is severely censured. This is unfair and unmanly. The trees when received 
should be iiinnedialely secured from the sun and drying winds b\' coverinii' 
with wet straw or liay or a wet blanket. Too much stress cannot be placed 
upon the idea of caring well for trees and plants from the time they are dug 
until safely planted or heeled in. If by any chance trees are received in a 
rather poor condition, roots a little dry and tops slightly shriveled, spread 
some straw on the cellar tloor. thoroughly wet^ it, place the trees evenly 
spread out upon it, c(»ver them up with a good coat of straw and thoroughlj' 
theiicli the whole with water. Allow the trees to remain in this wet straw 
twenty-four to thirty-six hours when they will be found to be fresh and in a 
safe condition to plant. II the trees are in good order when received, or 
when taken from the straw, and the holes are not ready to receive the trees, 
or perchance tlie ground be too wet to plant, dig a trench and lay in the trees 
in a slanting positi(tn. so that you can cover np the roots and two-thirds of 
the body or stock, hi this position lot them leniiuii until the holes are dug, 
or the ground is in condition to receive lliciii. 



.{(> \VESTE1{N FliUlTS, AM) IIOW lO cajOW TJIEM. 

If the ground for an orchard has been well prepared by deep stirrinof it 
will be a comparatively ea:sy task to open liie lioles and plant the trees. Vet 
iiow important llii.< process really is to tiic after growtli of tlie orchard. 
First, wesliould give a little attention to a[)poarances and lay of tiie ground so 
that the trees will row nicely every way. Take a number of flag poles 
anil set tliein in a line to be occupied by the first row of trees, draw a deep 
furrow with a heavy plow drawn by a steady team of horses. Then move 
the poles and repeat the operation until all the rows are laid ofl" one way. 
After this is done, a ligliter plow drawn by a single horse can be used in 
drawing cr('SS furrows. Use the same care in drawing the cross furrows 
that was used in laying ofl' the first rows, and tlien the intersection of tiie 
cross with the first furrows will indicate where the trees are to stand. Dig 
the holes wide but not too deep. Eight here are a luunber of important 
points overlooked by the ordinary tree planter. The hole, if not opened in 
the fall, (which is the better way) requires to be only wide enougli to ac- 
commodate all the roots properly spread out, and only deep enough that the 
tree may stand firmly on the sub-soil. (Of course this applies only where the 
ground has been well cultivated, not planting in tiie sod, in which case the 
hole should be deeper and wider.) 'J'he roots should be evenly spread out, 
and the finest of top soil put in among them. No lumps or coarse soil should 
be allowed in the hole. Fill in this tine soil tmtil the roots are wi'll covered, 
and then shake the tree slightly so that tiie soil may become more thoroughly 
settled among the roots. Again put in more si»il until there is perhaps three 
inches of soil over the roots, then tramp thoroughly.' Fill the hole full, 
tramping thoroughly again. The tree should be leaned pretty sliari)ly to the 
southwest, so that as the branches grow the trunk may^be the better protected 
from the sun. 

An ordinary two-j'ear old tree should have all the branches cut ofl' from 
it so that the roots may have a chance to catch up with the top. A much 
nicer, thriftier tree will thus be formed, and fruit the more aoundantly and 
earlier assured. 

If trees are received in the Fall to be planted the following si>ring the 
following instructions shoidd be closely followed : When tlie trees are 
received from the nursery cut open the bunille and examine the nwtsof every 
tree to tind any insect that may have found a hiding place there. Wherever 
an insect is found it should be destroyed that it may noc contimie to propa- 
gate its species. It is so natural to simply east away, hence the reason for 
the last hint. Koots that have been torn or badly bruised should have the 
end cut with a very sharp knife, which in cutting will leave a very smooth 
edge. Small fruits are best set out and well mulched immediately. Rhubarb 
and asparagus especially should be planted and mulched with stalile nuimirc 
Trees, however, should not be set in fall, but be treated as follows : Select a 
spot where water is not likely to stand for any length of tinu\ being careful 
that such spot shall be well pulverized ground. Dig a trench about one foot 
deep and nearly as long as the trees when bundled, having one end sloping 
quite gradually tt) about the middle of the trench. Carefully place your tree>*^ 
in this trench so that the roots are in its deepest imi t, being caiefid to plavi' 



WESTERN Fl{LrJ>^, AM) IIUW lu (jiKUW TllEM. ;il 



Ihoni so tliattln'y will not Ik' ton eloso tO(>otli('r. 'I'lit- tifiich slioiild he 
siitlicieiilly wide \o ;iceoiiimoU:ite tliu trees in a layer, so wlieii the earth i*^ 
I)laee(i in aiiiniio- the trees the trunks will Ih; well sej)arated. Throw in tine 
soil nntil every cavity about the tiiiuks is well tilled, then take the trees by 
the npperniosl twi<>.s and shake them j^ently. so that the soil may beeome 
the better settled auion^i- tiic rt)Ots and trunks. The greatest cure should be 
taken that only well pulverized soil be used imtil tlie uunks and roots are 
well covered. The upper covering of dirt may be less thoroughly well 
pidverized without detriment to the tree. Fill thetreiicii so full that when you 
leave it there will be a neat little uiouud over the trees to tuj-n away the rain. 
The trees should be entirely covered, unless the uppermost twigs be allowed 
to protruile to maik the spot where they were buried, but care must be used 
that the}' are not covered too deep, as if covered very d:ep they are apt to 
smother. The roots should not be covei'd over eight or ten inches, while the 
trunks and branches should not be deeper than six inches. 



^ 




OUR FAMILY ORCHARD, VINEYARD AND BERRY GARDEN. 



READ THIS OFFER. 

Early Harvest Apple Trees FIVE. 

Eed Astrachaii " " " 

Duchess of Olden buro- Apple Trees " 

Grimes Golden Pippin " •• " 

Fall Winesap '• "• •' 

AVhitney'sNo. 20Crab " " 

Early Richmond Cherry "■ '' 

English Morello •' " " 

Kiefter Pear " '• 

Flemish Beauty Pear '* •' 

Weaver Plum "• " 

Wild Goose Phinv " " 

Winesap Apple " •' TEX. 

Tetofski " •• "• 

Enssian Apricot " " 

Missouri Pippin " " TWENTY-FIVE. 

Ben Davis ■' " 

Catawba Giape N'ines 

Elvira " '■ '' 

Pocklinjrton Grape Vinos '' 

Moore's Early " *' 

Houghton Gooseberry Plants 

Downing' " *• 

Red Dutch Currant '• 

White Dutch Currant "■ TEX. 

Concord Grape Vines ONE HUNDIJED. 

Snyder Blackberry •' " 

Souhegan IJaspberry " " 

<^regg 

Captain Jack Strawberry Plants 

Cres(!ent Seedling Strawberry Plants •■ 

The above list ol trees and plants is well selected and will bt- found to supply the 
wants of most families. We have expended considerable lime and money to find out 
what varieties are suited to our soil and climate, and \\<- think uiu- ellurts will be ap- 
preciated by all who plaiit the abovt? list. 



Of hmU $81.?5. 



We win send the entire list nicely packed for $50.00, Cash with order. 

Dp CAWKER CITY, KANSAS. 





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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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